NFL Divisional Round Takeaways: Commanders squash Lions’ Super Bowl hopes
Two teams are one step closer to a Super Bowl appearance, including the defending champions and a team that many didn’t expect to be in this position. David Morassutti has the takeaways.
We are halfway through the NFL’s Divisional Round and it’s proving to be an intriguing run to championship weekend.
Two teams are one step closer to a Super Bowl appearance, including the defending champions and a team that many didn’t expect to be in this position.
Here is a look at the takeaways from the Chiefs’ commanding win over the Texans and a stunner in Detroit.
CHIEFS 23, TEXANS 13
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328307112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328307112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328307112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-580125" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367328307112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367328307112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/nfl-highlights-chiefs-23-texans-14/" }); });
A signature Chiefs playoff win
The Kansas City Chiefs are more than comfortable winning in the playoffs with just 23 points scored. They had a lot of practice winning low-scoring games after going the entire regular season without scoring more than 30 points in a game.
Steve Spagnuolo once again crafted a great game plan and reminded everyone why the Chiefs’ defence has been remarkable in the post-season.
Coming into the game, Kansas City was ranked 18th in the NFL in pressure rate and sacks. A lot of their success is because their secondary can go up against anyone. While C.J. Stroud was running around all game trying to buy his receivers time, there was nothing open for him.
With the way the Chiefs’ defence played, it also allowed the offence the chance to get back on track and it did in the second half as they scored touchdowns on both of their trips inside the Texans’ 20-yard line.
Can the Chiefs make it to another Super Bowl as they search for the three-peat? This performance suggests they are already in their championship form but the mountain to get back to the title game is still a tough one to climb.
Mahomes-Kelce duo come through again
You knew Travis Kelce was out to prove something in this game when he reference lyrics from his girlfriend Taylor Swift on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22,” Kelce joked, when talking his energy on the field.
The 35-year-old continues to turn back the clock as Patrick Mahomes found his trusty tight end for seven receptions, 117 yards and a pivotal fourth-quarter touchdown.
No play was a bigger example of the why Kelce needs to be the game-breaker for the Chiefs than his 49-yard catch in the second quarter. This would set up Kansas City’s first touchdown of the game after a rough start for the offence.
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367319747112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367319747112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367319747112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-287366" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367319747112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367319747112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/chiefs-hunt-punches-in-td-after-kelces-massive-49-yard-reception/" }); });
Then with his quarterback literally falling down, Kelce knew exactly what was needed of him.
The tight end got himself open, and Mahomes somehow found a way to get the ball to him. It was at that moment the game was pretty much done, and history was made.
It was the 18th touchdown that Mahomes and Kelce connected on, the most by any duo in NFL history.
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367322073112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367322073112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367322073112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-326834" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367322073112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367322073112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/chiefs-mahomes-connects-with-kelce-for-td-as-he-falls-down/" }); });
Whoever gets the Chiefs next, good luck trying to stop the Mahomes-Kelce connection.
More questions about officiating
It’s definitely exhausting to have to discuss whether the Chiefs and Mahomes get the benefit of some favourable penalty calls by the officials.
However, it was tough to see a couple of calls that not only extended some drives for Kansas city but it also got the attention of former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman.
As Mahomes was running with the ball, the quarterback was sliding in order to try and avoid a big hit.
Two Texans defenders collided with each other with Mahomes not really taking the brunt of the collision, but the officials called a penalty against Houston.
“Oh, come on! I mean, he’s a runner. I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit,” Aikman said about the play.
Even ESPN’s rules analyst Russell Yurk shared that, in his opinion, the officials got the call wrong.
“The two Houston players hit each other. That should not have been a foul,” he said.
The Chiefs kept moving the ball downfield after that call, and Mahomes hit Kelce for a touchdown and a 20-12 lead.
This did not sit right with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
“We knew going in to today, it was us versus everybody,” Ryans said after the game. “And when I say everybody, it’s everybody. All the … whatever, the naysayers, the doubters … everybody.
“With that, knowing going into this game what we were up against, we can’t make the mistakes that we made.”
Stroud added that “it’s one of those things you know what’s up before you even walk in the arena.”
Referee Clay Martin told pool reporter Aaron Wilson that the call was right after the game. At least the NFL forces the officials to speak about the calls they made but I’m not sure that explanation will satisfy the Texans.
Can Stroud get a block?
Going into this game, there were serious questions as to whether the Texans’ offensive line would be up to the task against the Chiefs’ defence.
During the season Stroud was sacked 52 times and it was clear that the quarterback was taking a beating as he needed help to get off the field late in the game.
Unfortunately, as it has been the case, Stroud was under siege all game. He was sacked a career-high eight times.
Houston was able to get the run game going with Joe Mixon registering 88 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. However, if Stroud can’t get some time to throw the ball, the Texans will continue to see similar results.
It’s unfortunate because the Texans’ defence did play well but again, too many mistakes proved to be costly.
COMMANDERS 45, LIONS 31
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367334883112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367334883112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367334883112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-449959" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367334883112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367334883112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/nfl-divisional-highlights-commanders-45-lions-31/" }); });
Daniels continues dream season
Jayden Daniels has always made it a point to talk about the influence Kobe Bryant had on him growing up.
The Washington Commanders quarterback certainly channelled his inner “Mamba Mentality” as he shredded the Detroit Lions’ defence with 299 yards passing and 51 yards rushing.
This is only the second time in NFL history that a rookie quarterback knocked off a top-seeded team in the playoffs. Joe Flacco was the only other quarterback to do it back in 2009 against the Tennessee Titans.
Just when you couldn’t be more impressed with Daniels’ game, he joined five other rookies to reach the conference championship weekend since 1970.
Daniels also showed again why you don’t blitz against him considering he had a 114.7 rating against the blitz during the regular season. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Daniels had 191 passing yards against the Lions’ blitz, which was the second-most in a game by a rookie since 2016.
More importantly, for Washington’s offence, they only punted once in the game.
Quinn rewarded for aggressiveness
Both coaches have shown that they are not afraid to be aggressive, but it would have been tough to expect Dan Quinn to be the one to do it at will.
The Commanders saw their first attempt on fourth down get blown up when Marcus Mariota couldn’t move the sticks. Credit to Washington for not letting that phase them.
After that point, the Commanders were three-for-three in fourth-down efficiency. This was a crucial development for a few reasons.
Give credit to Quinn for showing trust in his rookie quarterback to be able to handle those situations in a playoff game.
This also allowed Washington to control the time of possession and go for touchdowns instead of field goals, which also kept the Lions’ offence off the field.
A long time coming for Washington
It has been 32 seasons since Washington has been in the NFC Championship which was also the last time they won a Super Bowl title.
Certainly, this is a stunning development considering that this team went 4-13 last season, but after drafting Daniels, this was seen as a fresh start for the organization.
The Commanders also had a tougher road to this point, having to win a pair of road games to get to the NFC championship. On top of that, this is a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005.
Could this be another season of destiny for the Commanders? Ending the longest active championship game drought is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to do.
Washington will gladly embrace the underdog label as they await their next opponent between the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.
Turnover fest
It was not a pretty night for the Lions as they had five turnovers during the game, including three interceptions from Jared Goff.
The Lions made many questionable decisions, as the team was still in the game up until they decided to get cute.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided, with his team trailing by 10 points with just over 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, to run a reverse to receiver Jameson Williams, who threw an interception in a bizarre sequence.
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367331669112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367331669112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367331669112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-753527" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367331669112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367331669112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/mcnichols-adds-to-commanders-lead-after-lions-trick-play-interception/" }); });
Not long after, the Commanders would take advantage of that blunder and essentially put the game out of reach.
That wasn’t the only critical moment in the game as Goff had an interception taken all the way back for a touchdown. What was more critical was a penalty that was missed on the interception return as Goff got blown up by Frankie Luvu, who made contact with the quarterback’s head.
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328451112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328451112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367328451112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-637825" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367328451112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367328451112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/commanders-martin-intercepts-goffs-overthrow-returns-it-for-40-yd-td/" }); });
“If you turn the ball over five times against that team, it is going to be hard to win,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the game.
Thanks for the reminder on that one, Dan…
It wasn’t just the fact that Goff had four turnovers in the game — three of his giveaways were on the Commanders’ half of the field.
Gibbs, St. Brown try to lift Goff
While Goff was struggling with mistakes, his playmakers did their best to try and pick him up in this game.
Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 105 yards while adding six catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown had eight receptions on 10 targets for 137 yards.
If Detroit fans are looking for any silver lining from this game, it’s that those two stepped up when the team needed them.
Unfortunately, it was still a losing effort and a day where the offence totalled 521 yards was essentially wasted.
Where do the Lions go from here?
This seemed like the year for the Lions after posting the best record in team history, going 15-2.
Unfortunately, the banged-up defence could not contain Daniels as Detroit allowed 481 yards, the third-most yards given up all season.
Now, the team will have to wait and see the fate of Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who have been interviewing for head coach openings.
Any Lions fans looking for someone to blame got Campbell taking ownership for the loss.
“It’s my fault. It’s my fault,” Campbell told reporters after the loss.
“I know how hard it is to get here. I’m well aware. And it’s gonna be twice as hard to get back to this point next year than it was this year. That’s the reality.”
/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367335461112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367335461112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6367335461112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");
if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }
var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");
if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }
$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );
$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-214584" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6367335461112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6367335461112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/video/emotional-campbell-speaks-moments-after-lions-loss-to-commanders/" }); });
Even after winning the top seed, not having key players on defence in Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis was going to make this a tough task for the Lions to play to their potential.
You have to think the Lions will be looking to shore up that defence in the off-season with roughly $67.9 million in projected cap space to use.
While this will be a tough loss to overcome, this is still a team that finished 15-2 during the regular season.
